Looks fast to us - Lorenzo & Spies check out their new ride.
50 years in the business, the two hottest youngsters on the grid and a number one on the fairing – sounds like a recipe for a big sponsor. Except for Yamaha’s works Moto GP squad it isn’t. Jorge Lorenzo is going to defend his title without the backing of a title sponsor, an indicator of just how tough the economy is at the moment.
Valentino Rossi is off to fulfill his destiny by riding for Ducati in 2011 and former sponsor Fiat has left too. Yamaha are putting a brave face on it, in fact they seem rather keen on being able to use their corporate colours and are planning on doing some ‘special’ paint jobs over the course of the season. Good for them, but pity the smaller teams who haven’t got half a century of success behind them and two champion riders under contract. No wonder the Moto GP grid has shrunk over the last few years.
For now we’ll leave Lorenzo and Spies looking at their lovely YZR-M1s and wish them luck for the year ahead. At least the bikes will be a bit lighter without all those pesky decals!
Race of Two Worlds 